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Munich (dpa / lby) - After criticism by the SPD, a first area in Bavaria with a high concentration of the noble gas radon is being designated.
"The state government decided today that the district of Wunsiedel in the Fichtelgebirge is designated as a so-called radon prevention area," said a spokesman for the environment ministry on Tuesday.
The general decree should come into force in February.
The SPD had accused the ministry of having missed the deadline for expulsion.
“This is linked to mandatory protective measures for homeowners and employers.
But so far nothing has happened in Bavaria, ”said SPD environmental expert Florian von Brunn.
Actually, according to the Radiation Protection Act, the federal states had to determine by the end of 2020 in which areas a high concentration can be expected in many buildings - so-called radon prevention areas.
Because of the Corona crisis, there were delays in the final report on the soil air measurements, said the spokesman for the Ministry of the Environment.
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In the affected areas, there are nationwide strict requirements for new buildings and measurement obligations at workplaces on the ground floor and basement.
"It's about urgent health protection for homeowners, tenants and employees in companies," von Brunn emphasized.
In the Free State, according to the SPD, the gas occurs mainly in Upper Bavaria, Lower Bavaria, Upper Palatinate and Upper Franconia in sometimes life-threatening concentrations in the soil.
The designation of further areas in Bavaria is not necessary for the time being, the ministry said on Tuesday.
Radon cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.
Citizens in regions with high pollution are therefore recommended to ventilate regularly and to have leaks in the basement and ground floor sealed.
If the gas is inhaled in higher concentrations over a longer period of time, the risk of lung cancer increases.
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Radiation Protection Act
Statutory regulations for protection against radon